Diddy avoids felony charges over UCLA arrest

July 3, 2015 / 8:06 AM
/ CBS/AP

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office declined Thursday to file felony charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs for a confrontation last month at the University of California, Los Angeles, where his son plays football.

District attorney spokesman Ricardo Santiago said the office decided instead to turn the case over to the Los Angeles city attorney's office, which could file lesser misdemeanor charges.

No charges have been brought against the 45-year-old hip-hop mogul for the confrontation June 20 at UCLA's athletic facilities in which police said he wielded a piece of weight-room equipment called a kettlebell.

The "Bad Boy for Life" rapper said he was defending himself and his son.

He was arrested for investigation of assault with a deadly weapon, battery and making terrorist threats. He posted bail and was released from jail hours after he was taken into custody.

"We are thankful that the district attorney rejected felony charges in this matter," defense lawyer Mark Geragos said. "This case never should have been part of the criminal justice system to begin with."

Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the city attorney, confirmed his office would review the case.

UCLA officials have said little about the confrontation except that no one was seriously hurt. A UCLA spokesman said the school had no comment on the district attorney's decision.

"This is an unfortunate incident for all parties involved," head football coach Jim Mora said shortly after Combs was arrested.

Combs' son Justin Combs is a redshirt junior defensive back on the UCLA football team, which has been working out on campus. He has played in just a handful of games in his three years with the team.

"Hiccups happen in life. You push that to the side. You worry about that later," Diddy's son Quincy Brown recently told The Associated Press. "That's why we here right now just enjoying the BET Awards. We come every year. We're supporting the family, supporting my dad. And my dad's got a big performance this year."